Old-Time Candy Tasting & Trivia

Purpose of the Activity

This activity is designed to spark joyful memories and encourage social interaction through the simple pleasure of candy. It engages multiple senses (taste, smell, sight, touch), promotes reminiscence and storytelling, and provides a lighthearted cognitive challenge with trivia. The goal is to create a warm, shared experience that celebrates a fun holiday and connects residents to their past.

Materials Needed

Candies: A variety of 8-10 classic candies. Consider options like Mary Janes, Bit-O-Honey, Tootsie Rolls, Werther's Originals, Good & Plenty, Black Jack Taffy, Necco Wafers, horehound drops, and saltwater taffy. Include sugar-free options.
Serving Supplies: Small paper plates, bowls, or portion cups for each resident. Napkins are a must!
Beverages: Pitchers of water and cups for palate cleansing between tastings.
Trivia: A list of 10-15 trivia questions about candy history, old slogans, or pop culture from the 1940s-1960s. Have a separate answer key.
Writing Supplies: Optional: Small whiteboards with markers or paper and pencils for residents to write down their trivia answers.
Prizes: Small, simple prizes for trivia winners, such as a full-size candy bar, a small plant, or a certificate.
Music: A playlist of popular music from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.
Decorations: Optional: Tablecloths, candy-themed centerpieces, or vintage candy advertisements printed from the internet to set the mood.
Other: A knife for cutting larger candies into smaller, safer pieces. Disposable gloves for handling candy.

Estimated Duration

45-60 minutes

Ideal Group Size

8-15 residents. This size is small enough to ensure everyone who wants to share a story has the opportunity to be heard.